GDV Survey

1.
INTRODUCTION

Bloat is a condition in which a dog’s stomach distends. If this condition involves a twisted stomach, it is called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This survey is interested in the surgical condition of GDV. In a large three year study of 927 military working dogs (MWD), GDV was found to be the fifth most common reason for death and the major preventable cause of death (Moore, 2001).

The literature on GDV points in many directions which has not brought breeders any closer to a solution. This survey focuses only on some of the environmental factors that might be related to factors that trigger or contribute to the occurrence of GDV. We hope that the data collected will be of use to those who study the entire puzzle of this disease. The aim of this survey is to look at conditions that are relevant to the further study of this disease. Your contribution is very much appreciated. A summary of the results and findings will be posted on the website www.breedingbetterdogs.com in November 2010.

This survey is the joint effort of Dr. Carmen Battaglia PhD of the AKC and Dr. Cindy Otto DVM, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.

For this survey we are interested in dogs that bloated. We are able to collect information on up to 3 of your dogs that have bloated. If you had other dogs at the time your dog bloated, we would like information on one of those dogs that is most like the dog that bloated. We are also interested in your dog that might have been at risk of bloat and did not bloat. If you have multiple dogs that did not bloat please only provide information for one of them.